NYC Sewage Boat Explosion: Tragedy Strikes Hudson River

<img src="https://www.detroitnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/05/24/PDTN/83845682007-ap-25144829998353.jpg?width=660&amp;height=441&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp" alt="Explosion scene on Hudson River">

A tragic incident occurred on the Hudson River in New York City on Saturday morning. An explosion on a city-owned sewage boat resulted in the death of a longtime city employee and injuries to another.

The Incident

The explosion happened around 10:30 a.m. near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Hunts Point vessel, responsible for transporting raw sewage, was involved. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the explosion occurred while workers were performing tasks involving a flame or sparks.

One worker, a 59-year-old veteran of the city's Department of Environmental Protection with 33 years of service, was found unconscious in the river and declared dead at the scene. Another worker was injured and taken to the hospital. A third worker refused medical treatment.

Aftermath and Investigation

The explosion caused raw sewage to spread across the boat's deck, requiring decontamination of first responders. Mayor Eric Adams stated that criminal intent is not suspected, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported no apparent environmental impact from the incident. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

The Victim

The deceased was a dedicated public servant, and the mayor offered condolences to his family and colleagues. His name has not yet been publicly released.